LISTER, Harold F. - b. December 25, 1939 - d. September 7, 2015

[patyrn]

Harold F. Lister, 77, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away September 7, 2017 at a local nursing facility.  He was born December 25, 1939 at home in rural Elk County, Kansas to Loren and Gertrude (Scobee) Lister.

Harold graduated from Howard High School in Howard, Kansas in 1957.  Furthering his education, he attended Southwestern University graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education in 1961.  His music career spanned 44 years of service in the school systems of central and northern Kansas.  These years included instrumental and vocal music from grades Kindergarten through high school.  H directed an uncountable number of concerts, marched in a multitude of parades, and started many youngsters on their first step in the love of music, the love of which stayed with them for life.  Students returned later to thank him, not only for beginning their music careers, but also the character development and self-confidence he instilled, in addition to the music education.

In 1961, he married Nancy Manley.  To this marriage was born his three children.  They divorced in 1987.  Harold was married on July 4, 1992 to Margaret (Redmond) Knudsen.

Harold enjoyed life to the fullest, always giving of himself and his goods most generously.  His time and talents in organic gardening are remembered  by many friends and family who enjoyed his produce, his canned goods, and his jams and jellies.  His sense of humor and friendliness to all was well known.  Being a true Renaissance man, he was widely read and practiced in many fields of learning, including the arts and sciences, always eager to learn a new skill or try a new approach to an old problem, dabbling in everything from bat house plans to perfecting a perfect crust for his homegrown and homemade apple pies.  Harold was a peaceful man, well known for his calm and ordered lifestyle. 

Harold was a member of the St. Joseph Cathedral , Molta Shrine Temple, and was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite.  He was active in the Santa Fe Band of Topeka, Kansas.  He also volunteered at the St. Joseph Library as well as Habitat for Humanity and was a board member and longtime member in the St. Joseph Community Chorus.

Survivors include his wife, Margaret (Redmond) Lister of the home; sons, Roger Lister (Cathy) of Tooele, Utah and Kelly Lister (Tami) of Phoenix, Arizona;  daughter, Katrina Lister of Wichita Falls, Texas; stepdaughter, Christine Knudsen of Geneva Switzerland; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; siblings, Roy Lister of Lindsborg, Kansas, Alma Daymude of Arkansas City, Kansas, Virginia Hulsey of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Wilma Lister of Winfield, Kansas; sister-in-law, Estella Lister of Independence, Kansas; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Norman Lister; and the mother of his children, Nancy (Manley) Kuntz.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at St. Joseph's Cathedral with interment at Mount Olivet Cemetery in St. Joseph, Missouri.  The family will gather with friends on Monday, September 11, 2017 for the Masonic Ceremony at 5:30 p.m. with visitation from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory.  Flowers are appreciated, and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to the St. Joseph Public Library.  Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

(taken from the Meierhoffer Funeral Home website)